Lynmouth Circular Walk

A circular Lynmouth walk can be completed in 5 miles, with two fairly steep climbs along the way. As the walk centres around the village of Lynmouth, walkers are never far away from facilities and refreshments.

Start the walk beside Lynmouth harbour and walk inland along the beautiful River Lyn. This walk takes in Watersmeet, 2 miles outside of Lynmouth, and home to England’s deepest natural gorge. Also, look out for the ancient oak woodland as you pass East Lyn Cleave. This trail joins The Two Moors Way and the Tarka Trail too, and shortly after you will see signs for the return to Lynmouth.

Lynton the the Valley of Rocks

A pleasant, 3 mile walk along the South West Coast Path, the walk between Lynton and the Valley of Rocks is level tarmac and suitable for everyone. Start the walk at the Lynton cliff railway station and head for St Mary the Virgin Church.

Turn left and walk down North Walk Hill, cross the bridge at the bottom over the cliff railway and join the North Walk.

This path will lead you to the Valley of Rocks. Keep your eyes open for the Valley of Rocks goats, which were noted in the Domesday Book, and please make sure that you close all gates behind you to keep them safe.

Crock Point

Another Lynton and Lynmouth walk along the South West Coast Path, this walk starts from Lee Abbey car park and is 3 miles long. The walk is circular, covers easy terrain and avoids steep hills. Birdwatchers will do well to take their binoculars along for this walk, as the coastal section often includes sightings of guillemots, razorbill and even falcons.

The Bonhill Wood section of the walk is also rich with birdlife, and walkers can hope to see the occasional woodpecker, as well as redstarts and wood warblers. Please note, there aren’t many toilet facilities along the way so use the ones in the car park when you start the walk!

The Wester Wood

The Wester Wood route is another fairly easy Lynmouth walk. This 3 mile trail mostly sticks to quiet footpaths and country lanes but includes the odd climb and descent along the way. It’s worth noting that this isn’t a great walk for those who struggle with heights, as some parts of it follow very narrow paths with sharp sea drops below.

This walk starts on the right hand layby near Countisbury Hill on the A29. Walkers will need to cross the road and find the path opposite that links to the South West Coast Path to start the walk. It is important not to take the path to the left that appears around halfway along if you wish to follow this trail, but if you do fancy a detour it leads to Sillery Sands, a beach with some fascinating rock formations to discover.